FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – A suspect accused of throwing a punch that killed a Farmington Hills man will stand trial for manslaughter.
A judge bound over 37-year-old Dante Manley-Ernest Nederveld Friday after hearing testimony.
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Nederveld is accused of punching Matthew Lee Wegzyn, 52, on Aug. 9 while Wegzyn was talking to police about a complaint he had regarding Nederveld's driving in the Flamingo mobile home park -- where they both lived.
Police Officer Michael Nicholls testified that he was talking to Wegzyn about what had happened when Nederveld went up to Wegzyn and "punched him right in the face" with a closed fist.
"It was an extremely hard punch to his face," Nicholls said.
Nicholls said he gave Nederveld three warnings before he used a Taser to subdue him.
Wegzyn fell and hit his head on the pavement. He was hospitalized for almost a month before he passed away.
Medical Examiner Ruben Ortiz-Reyes testified that Wegzyn died from blunt force trauma and his death is classified as a homicide.
Family members said Wegzyn confronted Nederveld about his erratic driving in the park because Wegzyn was worried about someone getting hurt.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Nederveld is charged with assault and driving on a suspended license.
His attorney said Nederveld's action was justified.
"Police were called to the scene that night because my client was actually getting beating up by the victim and the people that were with the victim," attorney Freddy Sakllah said. "It's sad what happened, but it's a fist fight that was started by the victim"